Actor Gael Garcia Bernal poses backstage with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for his role in "Mozart in the Jungle" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Oscar Issac poses backstage with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in "Show Me a Hero" during the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Actress Kate Winslet poses with her award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for her role in "Steve Jobs," backstage at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REUTERS

Jon Hamm poses backstage with his award for Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama for his role in "Mad Men" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Actress Taraji P. Henson walks to the ballroom as she arrives at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Danny MoloshokREUTERS

Christian Slater poses backstage with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in "Mr. Robot" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California, January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson REUTERS

Matt Damon poses backstage with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy for his role in "The Martian" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Sylvester Stallone poses backstage with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for his role in "Creed" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Rachel Bloom reacts after winning Best Actress in a TV Series, Comedy or Musical for her performance in "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend", at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Paul Drinkwater/NBC Universal/HandoutREUTERS

Kate Hudson and Kurt Russell present at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Paul Drinkwater/NBC Universal/Handout For editorial use only. Additional clearance required for commercial or promotional use. Contact your local office for assistance. Any commercial or promotional use of NBCUniversal content requires NBCUniversal's prior written consent. No book publishing without prior approval. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY REUTERS

Sylvester Stallone poses backstage with his family as holds the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for his role in "Creed" at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Oscar Issac poses with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in "Show Me a Hero" backstage at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Leonardo DiCaprio poses with the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his role in "The Revenant" during the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

Brie Larson poses with the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama for her role in "Room" during the 73rd Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California January 10, 2016. REUTERS/Lucy NicholsonREUTERS

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Golden Globes 2016

LOS ANGELES – Even the threat of gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the 73rd annual Golden Globe Award nominees and presenters. All week, rain drenched the stars during the build-up to Hollywood’s most entertaining yet relaxed kudofest.

But leave it to Tinseltown to deliver a happy ending as the clouds parted and the sun flirted with coming out to party with the stars.

Blanchett, who is nominated as Best Actress for her latest tour de force performance in Carol, is taking a mini-acting break. But don’t worry, fans. “I just want to spend more time with my family,” she assures us. “I’m not retiring or anything. Carol was a great film to rest my laurels on for a bit until I get back.”

Speaking of greats, the biggest movie ever produced, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, was a hot topic on the red carpet but surprisingly, when we asked if some of our favourite stars had seen it, most celebs said no.

Many were waiting until the hoopla ended before delivering Disney more cashola.

With many fans and critics keeping Star Wars spoilers to a minimum before now, the press were revealing plot points like the Moet champagne flutes being handed out before the ceremony.

A Star Wars producer told 24 Hours that the movie’s big death was written at the request of the actor or actress. He also put it out into the ether that it’s kosher for the press to discuss the Star Wars narrative because “everyone has seen it.”

Box office receipts? Who cares? Not Steve Jobs’ writer Aaron Sorkin. The Oscar winner was enjoying all the iApplause his film was receiving by insiders and thespians.

“I wanted to make a film not about the gadgets Steve made – but by the relationships he touched in his own life, which were as complex and fascinating as his machines,” Sorkin told 24 Hours.

Despite a lack of nominations, J.J. Abrams’ space opera was a harbinger of this year’s Golden Globe Awards race.

A bit of the old. And a lot of the new. Oh, and some odd armour.

“That’ what is so great about the Golden Globes,” Jane The Virgin’s Gina Rodriquez told 24 Hours. “With the Emmys and Oscars, it takes a while for you break through but the Hollywood Foreign Press really takes a risk when a newcomer comes along. It makes the race more exciting, for sure. Plus, we can drink!”

This year’s breakout Flesh and Bone sensation Sarah Hay is still pinching herself over all the brouhaha her show has received. “The dance community isn’t mainstream so all this attention is surreal and amazing,” she says. “Dancing is a lot of work, and to act on top of that, well, I can’t believe I’m nominated along all these powerful and talented women.”

Future superstar Michael B. Jordan was thrilled to work opposite Sly Stallone in Creed. “I said yes to the project like three years ago. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Sly. But he became like my uncle,” he relayed. “He knows a lot about a lot of things. He’s not like Rocky at all. There was no rivalry or anything. Sly did such an amazing job setting up this Rocky world up for us. The reboot is really about fathers and sons. I think that is what makes the movie sing for so many people.”

Meanwhile, Jordan’s co-star Sly Stallone briefly told 24 Hours that the contrast between Hollywood today and when he was last fêted “is enough to make you think you’re in a time machine. I had no idea I’d be back here. Life can surprise you!”

Over on the telly side, the biggest show in television, Game of Thrones, was another hot topic on the red carpet. But none of the cast was spilling any spoilers.

However, nominee Emilia Clarke teased we’ve seen nothing yet.

“It’s going to blow your minds,” she tells 24 Hours. “It’s super exciting. So much happens to Daenerys. Fans are going to love it. It’s one epic season…. The pace and twists never stop. Even I can’t wait to watch it…. even though I filmed it.”

As for being named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive? After blushing: “It’s an honour. I’m still stunned. I mean, me?”

If you saw her abs up close and personal, you’d agree with the choice.

Despite the hotline bling of celebs, all eyes were on suave Leonardo DiCaprio, a frontrunner for Best Film Actor for Revenant, who was dancing, smiling and taking pictures with fans throughout his GG journey to the ballroom.

Before he snuck into the ceremony, he told 24 Hours that “sporting The Revenant beard” was the hardest part of the job.

We weren’t sure if he was being sarcastic or not.

At 40, Titanic’s Jack Dawson grew up into a party boy.

Meanwhile, Kate Winslet, who won as Best Supporting Actress in a Film for Steve Jobs, agreed with 24 Hours it would be ironic if Jack and Rose won Oscars in 2016. “But let’s not jinx it,” she winked. Winslet also revealed that she’s been experiencing neck pain for a while – and despite winning or losing – she booked a massage appointment for 9 p.m. after her category is announced!

Smart gal.

In other news, the cast having the most fun? Transparent, obviously.

Meanwhile, The Hateful Eight’s Jennifer Jason Leigh refused to talk about Quentin Tarantino’s myriad controversies in the press. “I love the movie,” she deflected. “And I’m thrilled to be a part of a project that has been well received. I’ll tell you a secret: I had to audition for Quentin!”

Downton Abbey’s most tortured heroine, Joanne Froggatt, and last season’s champ, isn’t as nervous this time around as a Supporting Actress in TV or a Mini-series nominee. “Having one already does help the nerves,” she explained. “But it’s our last season so it’s bittersweet to see everyone. I’ve moved to L.A. for a few months so we’ll see what happens [with other projects].”

As for how Downton Abbey ends, Froggatt says “fans will be pleased but not before enduring more heartache.”

Another it star on an it show, Outlander beauty Caitriona Balfe found out she was nominated while she was driving to work. “I screamed when I learned [my co-star] Sam Heughan and the show were recognized. When I went into my trailer, I realized I got nominated — and I just had a moment. And then, I literally got back on my horse!”

As for drinking during the ceremony, Balfe says two drinks is smart, “but after the show, everything is fair game!”

The Room’s Brie Larson was surprised at how laid back the Golden Globes are. “All I’ve done is laugh with my crew,” she enthused. “It’s been fun. I’m meeting a lot of people. It’s fun to be invited.”

As for her award show survival guide?

"If you’re not drinking lots of water, you’re doing this wrong," laughed Larson. "And carry sanitary wipes. I’m touching a lot of people… get your mind out of the gutter.”

Meanwhile, ginger-licious Heughan says if Outlander wins Best TV Drama, “we’re going to break it down hard. Being nominated is a big thank you enough for a small but fierce show like ours. But yeah, we’ll be dancing regardless.”

But the party hadn’t even started yet. 24 Hours almost bumped into host Ricky Gervais outside the Beverly Hilton Ballroom moments before he became master of ceremonies. Had he had a drink yet? “Not yet but get me one,” he shouted, before he added, “I love and miss Toronto.”

Did you hear that, Ikea Monkey?

Another shout-out to Toronto came from The Good Wife master Alan Cumming. “I’m coming to sing sappy songs,” he said of his titular musical on February 6 at the Elgin and Winter Theatre. “Spread the word.”

It wasn’t a great year for Hollywood North. There was less of a Canadian presence (save for Jim Carrey presenting so soon after his former girlfriend committed suicide this past fall).

When 24 Hours asked some of Hollywood Babylon what they thought of our sexy prime minister, Justin Trudeau, many were clueless.

With the exception of Oscar-nominated director Jason Reitman, who told 24 Hours he wishes the U.S. had a civil election like Canada did.

“Justin’s very handsome and his hair is everything,” he said. “But Trudeau has a lot of substance. He’s young and fresh. He’ll be effective. When I look at this year’s American election, it’s times like this that I miss Canada.”

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I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.